Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Subsoil Act (435 SE)
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s regulatory measures, particularly regarding the draft Subsoil Act, which is deemed anti-business and motivated by political activism. The speaker prioritizes protecting genuine economic activity and sharply criticizes climate policy, labeling it an unrealistic ideological delusion. The focus is results-oriented, stressing that the government’s activities are "completely criminal" when viewed from the perspective of effective state governance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedures, emphasizing the lack of an impact assessment, a preliminary drafting intention, and an ex-post evaluation. They also possess knowledge concerning the duration of mining permits (up to 30 years) and the consumption of resources during planning, referencing the legitimate expectations of businesses. Economic terms such as "economic unviability" and "revenue forecasts" are used.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and intense. Sharp and emotionally charged phrases are used, such as "pure nonsense," "aberrant," and "utterly criminal," to underscore the detrimental nature of the government's actions. Although the arguments themselves are economic (focusing on costs and return on investment), the delivery is aggressive and demands answers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the government and a specific minister, who stand accused of ideological political activism and incompetence. The criticism is intense, describing the government’s actions as “criminal” from the perspective of state functioning, and labeling their legislative drafts as being based on “delusions.” Furthermore, the opponents are being branded as “political activists” who bring unrealistic ideas to the table.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is a lack of data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Although the topic of the subsurface and mining (oil shale) is covered, a direct regional focus is absent. The emphasis is placed on national economic activity and entrepreneurship more broadly, rather than specific regional projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly supportive of entrepreneurship, viewing entrepreneurs as the engine of the economy. The speaker opposes strict regulation that halts real economic activity and calls into question the government's assessments regarding economic non-viability. Compensation is demanded from the state for costs incurred by businesses due to laws implemented via fast-track procedure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Climate policy is viewed negatively, with climate neutrality being labeled "pure hogwash" and global warming dismissed as "delusions" that are hollowing out the economy. Other traditional social issues are not touched upon in the speeches.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft legislation (Bill 435 SE) to amend the Earth's Crust Act, a measure that would suspend the issuance of new mining permits. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the bill, highlighting procedural deficiencies, specifically the absence of both an impact assessment and a preliminary drafting intent.
3 Speeches Analyzed